The National Port Authority of Peru (APN) has approved the Master Plan for the Corío Port Terminal in Punta de Bombón, Islay, Arequipa. This project, with an estimated investment of over $800 million, is set to strengthen Peru’s logistics connectivity and bolster its position as a strategic hub for regional trade.
Details of the Corío Port Project
The Master Plan for the Corío Port Terminal outlines the vision, technical guidelines, and implementation stages for this significant infrastructure project located in Punta de Bombón, Islay. The APN’s approval marks a pivotal moment for port development in southern Peru, establishing a framework for the project’s execution over the coming years. The terminal is designed to accommodate various types of cargo, including breakbulk, containers, and bulk solids, thereby expanding the operational capacity of the National Port System in response to increasing international trade demands. This initiative is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the surrounding area, fostering new investments and creating both direct and indirect jobs.
Historical Context and Challenges
Prior to this approval, the Corío Port Terminal faced a series of regulatory hurdles. In August 2025, the APN initially granted a Temporary Technical Viability for the project but quickly suspended it following concerns raised by the then-regional governor of Arequipa, Rohel Sánchez, regarding potential legal issues. The project had also received critiques from the APN’s Planning and Economic Studies Directorate, which questioned the demand projections submitted by the consortium responsible for the terminal’s construction. Despite these challenges, the project, led by the Hub Corío Megapuerto del Sur consortium, is now poised to advance, having first sought technical viability in February 2024.
Strategic Importance and Competition
The Corío Port project is positioned as a significant competitor to the recently inaugurated Chancay megaport, which has attracted Chinese investment. With a natural depth of 28 metres, Corío can accommodate larger vessels, including Ultra Large Container Ships capable of carrying over 20,000 containers, surpassing Chancay’s depth of 17.9 metres. This capability not only enhances Peru’s port infrastructure but also reflects broader geopolitical interests, as four Chinese companies have expressed interest in financing the megaport while the Arequipa Regional Government seeks to engage with the United States embassy to attract American investment. The development of Corío is expected to elevate Peru’s status as a key player in regional maritime trade.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Corío Port Terminal |
| Investment Amount | $800 million |
| Location | Punta de Bombón, Islay, Arequipa |
| Depth | 28 metres |
| Competitor Port | Chancay Megaport |
| Chancay Depth | 17.9 metres |
| Initial Viability Request | February 2024 |
| Approval Date | September 3, 2026 |
The approval of the Corío Port Terminal is a milestone for port development in southern Peru, enhancing our logistics capabilities.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Corío Port Terminal project represents a substantial investment in Peru’s infrastructure, aimed at enhancing logistics and trade capabilities in the region.
Reported from infobae.com, 2026-09-04. The Tender Wire is published by Otnox.
